Neymar was named the man of the match after Brazil defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16, but later came under fire for apparent simulations during the game.

“You know I’ve spent a lot of time in Brazil, I just love the Brazilian team, I have a very interesting relationship with Neymar, we have literally been in the same city and tried to meet literally ten times… I’ve been in this business way too long to answer that question, but I think he [Neymar] did a spectacular job, that is my man,” Smith told journalists when asked, in jest, how would he evaluate Neymar’s performance at the World Cup as an actor .

Smith was one of the three singers to record the tournament's official song Live It Up, which he will perform at the World Cup closing ceremony on Sunday along with Albanian singer Era Istrefi and Nicky Jam.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 with the final showdown between France and Croatia set to take place at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.